1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1983 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Corolla would be higher. Both 1997 Caterham C21 and 1983 Toyota Corolla are equipped with a 1,587 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Toyota Corolla (122 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 320 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (143 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1983 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | C21 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
